Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook beef, sealing in the juices and creating a lovely crust on the exterior. The time it takes to cook beef in an air fryer depends on the cut and size of the meat, as well as the desired level of doneness. For example, a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare in an air fryer will take around 10 minutes, while a roast beef joint cooked to medium-rare will take around 40 minutes. To ensure perfect results, it is important to preheat the air fryer and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Air Fryer Beef Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Thickness | 1-inch thick |
| Steak Type | Leaner sirloin, ribeye, or any steak of choice |
| Steak Temperature | 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium |
| Preheat Temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes for rare or medium-rare, 30-40 minutes for medium-well to well-done |
| Cooking Temperature | 350°F / 180°C |
| Resting Temperature | 130-134°F / 55-57°C |
| Resting Time | 5-30 minutes |
| Calories | 221 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 39.5 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 117.5 mg |
| Sodium | 391 mg |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for rare, medium-rare, medium and well-done beef
The cooking time for beef in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. Here are the estimated cooking times for rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done beef:
Rare
For a rare steak, cook a 1-inch thick steak in a preheated air fryer for about 8 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature of a rare steak should be around 130-134°F (55-57°C).
Medium-Rare
To achieve a medium-rare steak, cook a 1-inch thick steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping it at the 5-minute mark. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if your steak is thicker or thinner. The final internal temperature should be around 135°F.
Medium
For a medium steak, cook a 1-inch thick steak in a preheated air fryer for 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. If you're cooking a thicker or thinner steak, adjust the cooking time as needed. The ideal internal temperature for a medium steak is 145°F.
Well-Done
Well-done steaks will require a longer cooking time. Cook a 1-inch thick steak in a preheated air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping it halfway. The internal temperature for a well-done steak should reach 160°F.
It's important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of the steak. Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steak, and remove it from the air fryer about 5°F before it reaches your desired temperature as the meat will continue to cook as it rests.
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How to get a seared finish on your beef
To get a seared finish on your beef, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. For air frying, select a tender cut with some marbling, such as a top sirloin roast, prime rib roast, or rump roast. The size and type of roast will impact the cooking time, so opt for a consistent size and shape if possible.
Next, prepare the beef by bringing it to room temperature before cooking. This step is important as it helps the beef cook more evenly. Depending on the size of your cut, this can take 20 to 30 minutes. Once the beef is at room temperature, rub it with oil and your choice of seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper will work, or you can try a mixture of thyme, onion granules, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Now, it's time to cook the beef. Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, around 400°F (205°C). This initial high heat will give your beef that desirable seared finish. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the beef. For a 1-inch steak, 10 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient for a medium-rare finish. If you prefer your beef more well done, adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
Finally, remove the beef from the air fryer and let it rest. Tent it loosely with foil and leave it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your beef is juicy and tender.
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The best cuts of beef for air frying
Air fryers are a convenient and versatile way to cook beef, with the ability to cook a variety of cuts to perfection. While cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the cut and the desired level of doneness, most cuts can be cooked in an air fryer in under an hour.
One of the most popular cuts of beef for air frying is the filet mignon. This cut, which comes from the loin primal section of the cow, is known for its soft texture and mild flavour. Its small size also makes it an ideal fit for most air fryer baskets. For best results, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F and cook the filet mignon for 10-13 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
Another popular cut for air frying is the flank steak. This lean and tender cut is best cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the flank steak for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cut.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the cube steak is a great choice. This cut, also known as Swiss steak, is taken from the top or bottom round of the cow. While it tends to be a tougher cut, marinating it for an hour before cooking can help to tenderize the meat. Air fry the cube steak at 400°F for 5-7 minutes for the best results.
For those who prefer a thicker cut of steak, the Porterhouse is an excellent option. This cut is typically at least an inch and a half thick and is known for its hearty flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the Porterhouse steak for 10-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and olive oil will let the flavours of this cut shine.
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How to prepare your beef for air frying
Preparing your beef for air frying is a simple process, and it's a great way to cook your beef to perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
The first step is to select the right cut of beef. For air frying, it is recommended to choose a tender cut with some marbling, such as a top sirloin roast, prime rib roast, rump roast, or top-round roast. Leaner cuts, such as sirloin tip roast, ribeye roast, or bone-in ribeye steaks, are also good options and will give you a crisp, seared exterior.
Bringing the Beef to Room Temperature
Take the beef out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the beef cook more evenly.
Preparing the Air Fryer Basket
Line the air fryer basket with a liner if desired. This step is optional but can make clean-up easier. Preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent results. Set the temperature to 400°F (205°C) for a good sear on the steak's exterior.
Seasoning the Beef
Pat the surface of the beef dry with a paper towel. Rub a small amount of olive oil or cooking oil on the beef to help with browning. You can also use a dry rub or seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, onion granules, mustard powder, rosemary, or garlic powder. For a more complex flavor, make a garlic-herb butter by mixing softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper, and rub it on the beef.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Place the seasoned beef in the air fryer basket and follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch steak, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium, flipping the steak halfway through. For roast beef, cook at a high temperature of 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes to create a crust, then reduce the temperature to 350°F/180°C and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
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How to rest your beef after air frying
The cooking time for beef in an air fryer depends on the cut of meat, its thickness, and the desired level of doneness. For example, a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare should be cooked in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, flipped halfway, and then allowed to rest. On the other hand, a roast beef recipe suggests cooking the beef at a high temperature for 10-15 minutes to create a crust, and then reducing the temperature to 350°F / 180°C and cooking for another 30 minutes.
Now, here is a guide on how to rest your beef after air frying:
Remove the beef from the air fryer
Take the beef out of the air fryer and place it on a warm platter or plate. This will prevent the beef from continuing to cook in the residual heat of the air fryer basket.
Tent the beef with foil
Loosely cover the beef with aluminium foil. This will help to keep the beef warm without trapping too much heat, which could lead to overcooking.
Let the beef rest
Allow the beef to rest for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20-30 minutes for larger cuts of beef. During this time, the muscle fibres will relax and the juices will redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy dish. Remember that the internal temperature of the beef will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so factor this into your cooking time.
Slice against the grain
Before serving, slice the beef against the grain, or the direction of the muscle fibres. This will shorten the muscle fibres, making each bite more tender and easier to chew.
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Frequently asked questions
For a 1-inch-thick steak, cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. For a roast, cook for 10-15 minutes at a high temperature, then reduce to 350°F and cook for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 10 minutes before adding the steak. This will ensure the outside gets brown and crispy.
Look for a tender cut with a bit of marbling, such as a top sirloin roast, prime rib roast, rump roast, or top-round roast.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For a steak, the thickest part should register 125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. For a roast, aim for 130-134°F for medium-rare.
For a steak, let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. For a roast, let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
